Spence defends IBF welterweight title with win over Garcia

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Errol Spence Jr. successfully defended his IBF world welterweight title for the third time, unanimously outpointing previously undefeated challenger Mikey Garcia on Saturday night.

Garcia moved up two weight classes to take on Spence and took a pounding though he never went down. Garcia, obviously worn out, spent the later rounds blocking punches instead of throwing them.

Spence improved to 25-0 after all three judges awarded him every round. One card was 120-107, and the other two were 120-108.

It was the first time Spence had to go the distance in his last 12 fights.

Garcia, who moved up to the 147-pound division from the 135-pound division in his attempt to become a five-division champion, lost for the first time in 40 pro fights.